How To Buy Travel Insurance for Europe: Insurance for Schengen Visa

Traveling to Europe is a dream come true for many people.
And it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of exploring new places, trying new foods, and experiencing different cultures. But it’s important not to overlook the practicalities of travel. This includes obtaining a Schengen visa and buying travel insurance for Schengen visa.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about buying travel insurance for your Schengen visa. We’ll cover the overall requirements for getting a Schengen visa, what travel insurance covers, and what to check before you buy travel insurance for Europe. And if you’re wondering where to buy travel insurance for Schengen visa, we even go over some leading insurance companies that offer Schengen insurance to help you choose the best policy for your needs.

Whether you’re planning to explore the historic landmarks of Rome, enjoy the beautiful beaches of Spain, or experience the cultural diversity of Paris, being prepared can help you enjoy your European adventure with peace of mind.

What Countries Are in the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that have abolished internal borders and allow free movement of people between them. This means that once you enter one of these countries, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area without the need for additional border checks.

The countries in the Schengen Area are:

It’s worth noting that not all European countries are part of the Schengen Area. Some countries, such as the United Kingdom and Ireland, have opted out of the agreement and maintain their own border controls. Other countries, such as Romania and Bulgaria, are not yet part of the Schengen Area but are working towards joining in the future.

If you’re planning to visit multiple countries in Europe, it’s important to check whether they are part of the Schengen Area or not. This will help you determine whether you need to apply for a Schengen visa and buy Schengen travel insurance to meet the requirements of your visa.

What Are the Requirements to Get a Schengen Visa?

When applying for a Schengen Visa, you’ll need to meet certain requirements to be granted entry into the Schengen Area.

This includes having adequate travel insurance that covers you for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. So, if you’re debating, should I buy travel insurance for Europe? – firstly, travel insurance is always a good idea and if you’re headed to any countries in the Schengen area you will need to.

Your travel insurance policy must meet specific standards and requirements, as follows:

• Offer coverage for the entire period of the traveler’s stay or transit in the Schengen Area (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
• Be valid in all Schengen countries.
• Have a minimum coverage amount of €30,000.
• Have a $0 deductible.
• Cover all expenses related to any injury or illness sustained while traveling in the Schengen Area, including ambulance rides, X-rays, surgeries, hospital stays, emergency medical evacuation, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, and return of mortal remains.

If you apply for a Schengen Visa without suitable travel medical insurance, your application could be denied, and you may also experience unplanned expenses when traveling to Schengen countries. The insurance policy must cover the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area and be valid in all Schengen countries.

Your insurance company may be required to provide a letter stating that your policy meets the Schengen Visa insurance requirements, which can be included with your visa application to confirm that you have adequate travel insurance coverage.

In addition to the need to buy travel insurance for Schengen visas, other requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa include having a valid passport, proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay, and a return ticket or proof of onward travel. You may also be required to provide additional documents, such as a travel itinerary or hotel reservations.

It’s important to note that the requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa may vary depending on the country you’re applying from and the purpose of your visit. Therefore, it’s crucial to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to confirm the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a Schengen Visa.

What Does a Typical Travel Insurance Policy Cover?

Before you jump straight to how to buy travel insurance for Europe, there are some things you should know. If you need to buy travel insurance for Schengen visa, it’s important to understand what a typical policy covers. But it’s also essential to know the difference between the two main types of travel insurance: travel medical insurance and travel insurance.

What is Travel Medical Insurance (Travel Health Insurance)?

This type of insurance is designed to cover emergency medical care, evacuation, and repatriation – which means getting you back to your home country in case of a medical emergency. It typically gives you access to hospitals and doctors for unexpected medical problems and accidents, emergency evacuations, and other similar situations. However, it’s important to note that travel medical insurance does not replace your normal healthcare. It is usually only there to cover unexpected medical emergencies that may occur while you are traveling.

(Remember that you can use Air Doctor to find trusted, local doctors and specialists – like GPs and pediatricians – to consult with a medical professional abroad who speaks your language. Make sure you find out from your travel insurance provider if the Air Doctor service is covered in your policy.)

What is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance plans are designed to protect you from financial losses due to canceled plans or lost luggage, travel delays, or natural disasters. Some credit cards may offer limited travel insurance to protect you from these kinds of incidents, but only if you’ve booked the trip through the card. Travel insurance is a good idea if you’re worried about any potential disruptions to your plans.

When you’re buying travel insurance for your Schengen visa, it’s important to make sure you choose a policy that meets the minimum coverage requirements, which include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, urgent medical attention, return of mortal remains, and emergency hospital treatment. You should also consider the length of your stay and any activities you plan to, such as adventure sports, as these may require additional coverage.

While policies may vary from provider to provider, typical travel insurance plans for Schengen visas cover a range of unforeseen events that could occur during your trip to Europe.

It’s essential to review the policy’s terms and conditions before purchasing it to understand the full extent of the coverage. You should also make sure that you have a clear understanding of the policy’s exclusions and limitations, as they may affect your coverage in certain situations.

Overall, when you buy travel insurance for Europe and other destinations, it provides you with peace of mind and protection against unexpected events that could occur during your travels.

Can You Get Travel Insurance with an Existing Condition?

If you and have a pre-existing medical condition, you might be concerned about whether you can buy travel insurance for Schengen visa. The good news is that many insurance providers offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, although it may come at an additional cost.

When purchasing travel insurance, it’s important to be honest and upfront about any pre-existing conditions you have. Failure to disclose these conditions could invalidate your policy and leave you without coverage if you need it. Be sure to carefully read the policy documentation and understand what is and is not covered.

Some insurance providers may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions as part of their standard policy, while others may require you to purchase additional coverage or a specialized policy. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare policies from different providers to ensure you get the best coverage for your needs.

It’s also worth noting that some pre-existing conditions may be excluded from coverage or have limitations on coverage. For example, if you have a heart condition, your policy may exclude coverage for any medical issues related to that condition. Be sure to ask your insurance provider about any exclusions or limitations that may apply to your policy.

Should You Buy Travel Insurance: Benefits of Travel Insurance Cover

When planning a trip, many people wonder if purchasing travel insurance is necessary. And in your case, you might be wondering if it’s worth it to buy travel insurance for Schengen visa. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen events.

Here are some of the benefits of having travel insurance cover:

• Medical emergencies: As mentioned earlier, travel insurance covers medical emergencies such as accidents, injuries, and illnesses. This includes medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. It also covers expenses related to emergency dental treatment.

• Trip cancellations: Travel insurance can cover unexpected trip cancellations due to illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. This means you won’t lose money on non-refundable expenses like flights and hotel bookings.

• Lost or delayed baggage: Travel insurance covers lost or delayed baggage, which can be a common problem when traveling. This can help reimburse you for the cost of replacing your lost items.

• Personal liability: If you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property or injure someone, travel insurance can cover the costs of legal expenses and compensation.

• 24/7 emergency assistance: Many travel insurance policies provide 24/7 emergency assistance, including a helpline you can call if you need help with any emergency situation while traveling.

Overall, the benefits of travel insurance are numerous, and it can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events. So, when in doubt, it’s best to buy travel insurance for Schengen visa.

8 Things You Should Check Before You Buy Travel Insurance:

Before we dive into tips to buy travel insurance for Europe, it’s important to take the time to research and compare policies. Here are 8 things you should check before you buy travel insurance:

1. Coverage.

Make sure the policy covers all the requirements for Schengen Visa insurance, including medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. Additionally, check if it covers any other needs you may have, such as trip cancellation or lost luggage.

2. Coverage amount.

Verify that the policy meets the minimum required coverage amount of €30,000 or higher, as recommended. This is an essential thing to check before you buy travel insurance for Schengen visa.

3. Deductibles.

Check if the policy has a deductible and the amount. A deductible is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in.

4. Pre-existing conditions.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, make sure the policy covers them. Some policies may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions.

5. Provider network.

Before you buy travel insurance for Schengen visa, ensure the insurance company has a network of hospitals and doctors in the countries you’ll be visiting.

6. Claim process.

Check the claim process and requirements, such as what documentation you’ll need to submit and how long it will take to process.

7. Reviews and ratings.

Research the insurance company’s reputation and read reviews from other customers to ensure they have a good track record of paying claims and providing quality service.

8. Check if you can find a local doctor.

While some insurance companies have outpatient doctors in their networks, most don’t. And it is not easy to find a local doctor when you need to see one. You can use Air Doctor (whether or not your insurance provider is partnered with them) to easily access trusted, local doctors all over the world with just a few easy taps.

When choosing a travel insurance policy, it’s important to consider your individual needs and travel plans to ensure you’re fully protected in case of any unexpected incidents. Taking the time to research and compare policies can give you peace of mind and help you enjoy your trip to the Schengen Area.

Companies That Sell Travel Insurance for Schengen Visas

Asking yourself: Where can I buy travel insurance for Schengen visa?
Don’t sweat it. There are many companies that offer Schengen travel insurance. Of course, you can easily pull up Google to search for: where to buy travel insurance for Europe – but we’ve listed some of the leading insurance companies for you.

Here are some leading insurance companies that sell Schengen insurance with an overview of what typical policies cover. Some of these insurance providers are partnered with Air Doctor – which means you can access the Air Doctor service as part of your coverage – to find a local doctor anywhere, anytime. Plus you don’t need to pay out-of-pocket (since your insurance provider covers the cost), and you don’t need to deal with the hassle of filing a claim.

Note: All policy information is taken from each insurance provider’s respective website.

Allianz Partners:

Allianz is another global insurance company that offers Schengen insurance. They provide different levels of coverage, including basic, standard, and premium, depending on your needs. Depending on which plan you purchase, their policies include:

• Medical expenses coverage up to €100,000, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and ambulance services.
• Emergency medical transportation and repatriation coverage.
• Coverage for emergency dental care, up to €500.
• Coverage for accidental death and disability, up to €30,000.
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage, up to €5,000.
• Travel delay coverage, up to €150 per day.
• Baggage loss, theft, and damage coverage, up to €1,500.
• Personal liability coverage, up to €30,000.
• Legal assistance coverage, up to €5,000.
• 24/7 emergency assistance services, including medical assistance, legal assistance, and travel advice.

Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with Allianz Partners.

DR-WALTER:

DR-WALTER is a German insurance company that specializes in travel insurance.

Depending on which plan you purchase, their policies include:

• Coverage for medical expenses up to €1,000,000.
• Coverage for emergency medical transportation and repatriation of remains.
• Coverage for trip interruption and cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or death of a family member.
• Coverage for lost or stolen baggage.
• Coverage for emergency dental treatment.
• No deductible or excess.
• 24/7 emergency assistance.
• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, subject to certain limitations and exclusions.
• Flexible policy options, including single trip and annual multi-trip coverage.
• Optional add-ons such as coverage for hazardous sports and activities, and rental car insurance.

Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with DR-WALTER.

ERGO Reiseversicherung:

ERGO Reiseversicherung or ERGO Germany is a German insurance company that forms part of the global insurance company ERGO Group, that offers Schengen insurance policies for people who need to travel to Europe. Depending on which plan you purchase, their policies include:

• Coverage for medical expenses up to €30,000.
• Coverage for emergency medical transportation and repatriation.
• No deductible or excess.
• 24/7 emergency assistance services.
• Coverage for trip cancellation or interruption up to €5,000.
• Coverage for baggage and personal belongings up to €1,500.
• Coverage for personal liability up to €1,000,000.
• Coverage for legal assistance up to €10,000.
• Covers all Schengen countries.
• Flexible policy durations ranging from 1 day to 5 years.
• Multilingual customer support.
• Competitive pricing options.

They offer different levels of coverage, including basic and premium, depending on your needs.

Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with ERGO Germany.

ERGO Seguros Viaje:

ERGO Seguros Viaje or ERGO Spain is a Spanish insurance company that forms part of the global insurance company ERGO Group, that offers Schengen insurance policies for travelers.

Depending on which plan you purchase, their policies include:

• Coverage for medical expenses up to €30,000.
• Coverage for emergency medical transportation up to €30,000.
• Coverage for repatriation of remains up to €15,000.
• Coverage for trip cancellation or interruption up to €5,000.
• Coverage for travel delay up to €200.
• Coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage up to €1,500.
• 24/7 multilingual assistance services.
• No deductible or excess.
• Coverage for up to 90 days.
• Option to extend coverage for up to 180 days.

They offer different levels of coverage, including basic and premium, depending on your needs.

Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with ERGO Spain.

Europ Assistance:

Europ Assistance is a travel assistance company that provides Schengen insurance for people traveling to Europe. Depending on which plan you purchase, their policies include:

• Medical expenses coverage up to €100,000.
• Emergency medical transportation and repatriation.
• 24/7 assistance services.
• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
• Personal liability coverage up to €150,000.
• Trip interruption/cancellation coverage up to €3,000.
• Luggage and personal effects coverage up to €1,500.
• Delayed luggage coverage up to €300.
• Trip delay coverage up to €150.
• Travel accident coverage up to €30,000.
• Legal assistance coverage up to €8,000.

FBTO:

FBTO is a Dutch insurance company that offers Schengen insurance policies for people who need to travel to Europe.
Depending on which plan you purchase, their policies include:

• Medical expenses coverage up to €2.5 million.
• Emergency medical transportation coverage up to €500,000.
• Coverage for repatriation of remains and funeral expenses up to €25,000.
• Coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, and delay due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or death of a family member.
• Personal liability coverage up to €1.5 million.
• Coverage for loss or theft of luggage up to €2,500.
• 24/7 travel assistance and emergency support.
• No deductible or excess.
• Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions may be available, subject to medical screening and additional premium.

Here’s more info about how Air Doctor’s service works with FBTO.

Travel Guard:

Travel Guard is a travel insurance provider that offers Schengen insurance for people traveling to Europe. Depending on which plan you purchase, their policies include:

• Medical expenses coverage up to €60,000 or €100,000.
• Emergency medical transportation and repatriation coverage.
• Coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or death of a family member.
• Coverage for trip delay or missed connection due to circumstances beyond your control.
• Baggage and personal effects coverage in case of theft, damage, or loss during the trip.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• 24/7 travel assistance services for emergency travel and medical assistance, as well as concierge services for non-medical emergencies.
• Optional add-ons for adventure sports and activities coverage.
• No deductible or excess.

It can be overwhelming to know which travel insurance to buy for Schengen visas, but you’ve got this. Just keep in mind that there are many other companies that offer Schengen insurance, and you should do your research to find the policy that best meets your needs. If you’re wondering how to buy travel insurance for Schengen visa – don’t stress, most of these insurance companies have easy online applications.

Before choosing a travel insurance policy, it’s important to read the fine print and understand exactly what is covered.

How to Find Local Doctors with Your Insurance Company

Getting your insurance policy is the first step to ensure you can access healthcare at your destination, while you’re away from home.

Remember to use the Air Doctor app if you need to find a trusted, local doctor abroad.
You can use the app to browse and book consultations with local doctors – even if your insurance provider isn’t partnered with Air Doctor. But if you want to ensure that the cost of your consultation is fully covered (and you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket) be sure to check with your provider to see if they are partnered with Air Doctor or if they are willing to cover the cost of the consultation.

Our easy-to-use app lets you browse local doctors (who speak your language) to set up either a clinic, at-home, or virtual consultation with a doctor of your choice – anywhere, anytime.